
nn 



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• f\^ The Order of the 

Knights of the Holy Cross 



Founded in Feb. 1919 by 

Albert E. Potts, Pastor of the First Methodist 

Episcopal Church, Cheboygan, Mich. 

Copyright applied for. 




Dearly Beloved Brethren: 

The aim of the order of the KNIGHTS OF THE HOLY 
CROSS is to meet a need, that is, a closer unity and sympathy 
among the young men of our Church. I feel that Christianity 
is a gospel of brotherhood, and any means which will promote 
loyalty to the Church, a deeper interest in salvation through 
Jesus Christ, and a closer alliance between his followers is 
legitimate and should be encouraged. My whole ambition for 
this order is that it may glorify God and promote the happi- 
ness of men. And the earnest prayer of the founder of this 
work is: that if it be a means of helping the Christian 
Church in its work of salvation, that the blessing of Almighty 
God may attend it, but if it be inimical to his work, may he 
speedily bring about its failure. 

Rev. Albert E. Potts. 



CLA5L1823 



/y*4 



Ritual of the Knights of the Holy Cross 



Opening of the Castle. 

M. T. Gives one blow of the gavel and says: Officers 
of the Knights of the Holy Cross take your stations. Let 
every Knight be assembled in this sacred room, for it is the 
hour of worship. (When all are assembled and seated the 
M. T. says: Watchman of the Tower, what is your duty in 
the Castle? 

W. T. To watch the highway of life for seeking souls,- 
to keep away all spies and eavesdroppers, to see that every 
Knight who enters this sacred room wears the insignia of 
the order, to assist in initiation and obey your commands. 

M. T. You may retire to the tower where you will re- 
main on duty until informed by the Inside Guardsman that 
the Castle is closed, the I. G. will open the door that you 

may pass Out. (The I. G. arises and opens the door for the W. 
T. closes it and is seated.) 

M. T. Inside Guardsman what is your duty in the 
Castle? 

I. G. (arises) To guard the inner door of the Castle, 
to admit only those who have passed the inspection of the 
Watchman of the Tower and who can give the pass words 
and secrets of the order, to lead all seeking souls to you that 
you may instruct them in the way of eternal life and obey 

your commands, (remains standing) 

M. T. Sec. of the Knights of the Holy Cross what is 
your duty in the Castle ? 

Sec. (arises) To keep accurate accounts of the pro- 
ceedings of this castle and to report the same at each regu- 
lar session, to keep strict account of all money paid out and 
also all that is received and turn all money received over to 
the treasurer of the Castle, (remains standing) 

M. T. Warden what is your duty in the Castle ? 

Warden, (arises) To assist the Inside Guardsman in 
leading a candidate to the throne in this Castle, to prepare 
the castle for worship and initiation and obey your com- 
mands, (remains standing) 

— 8 — 



M. T. Worthy Assistant what is your duty in the 
Castle ? 

A. T. (arises) To assist you in any way you may re- 
quire, to administer the oath of secrecy, to officiate for you 
in your absence and obey your commands, (remains standing-.) 

M. T. Calls up Castle with three blows of the gavel 
and says: Brother officers and Knights of the Holy Cross 
we meet here for the transaction of lawful business, for fel^ 
lowship and for the worship of God, to whom this society is 
dedicated, during which time you will be required to con- 
duct yourselves as becometh faithful Knights of Him who 
said I am the way, the truth, and the Life, remembering 
that all of you have sworn to follow Him as the only way to 
life everlasting and without which promise none can be- 
come a member of the order, we trust that our every act 
and word will be in perfect accord with these sacred princi- 
pals. Warden you will prepart the Castle for worship. 
(The Warden then walks to the alter (turning square corners) and 
reverently opens the Bible and then returns to his Chair and says: 

"The Castle is prepared, 0, Master Teacher/' 

M. T. Let us all join in singing Hymn No. 

(M. T. selects the Hymn) (The Methodist Hymnal must always 
be used) 

"Let us unite with the Chaplain in prayer." 

Chaplain. Almighty God our Heavenly Father we 
thankfully acknowledge how tender is thy Good, may Thy 
Holy Spirit Guard us and guide us during this session and 
through all coming time, and finally lead us to our heavenly 
home, we ask it in Jesus' name. Followed by the Lord's 
Prayer in unison. 

M. T. Officers and Knights give the sign of the order. 
Then the M. T. giving the sign says: In the name of the 
Father, Son and Holy Ghost I declare this Castle opened 
for the transaction of its lawful business. 



Order of Business. 

1. Roll Call of officers. 

2. Reading minutes of last session. 

3. Does any one know of any Knight who is sick or in 
distress. 

4. Reports of special committees. 

5. Report of Membership committee. 

— 4 — 



7. Receiving candidates by initiation. 

8. Treasurer's Report. 

9. Unfinished business. 

10. New business. 

11. Good of the order. 

12. Announcements of the receipts of the session. 

13. Closing the Castle. 



M. T. arises and addresses the Castle as follows: 
Officers and Knights of the Holy Cross having duly trans- 
acted our lawful business and performed our several acts 
of worship we will now proceed to close our Castle in due 
form. Inside Guardsman you will instruct the Watchman 
of the Tower that the Castle is about to be closed. 

I. G. steps to the door, opens it and says: The M. T. 
is about to close the Castle, (closes the door, remains standing 
by the door, faces the M. T. and says: 

O Master Teacher, I have informed the faithful Knight and 
Watchman of the Tower that the Castle is about to be 
closed. 

M. T- Warden, what are your final duties in this 
closing ceremony ? 

Warden. (arises) To receive from every Knight the 
insignia of the order and put it in its proper place, to see 
that all paraphernalie of initiation is in its place and pro- 
perly secured, to make careful note of any damage sustain- 
ed to Castle property and report the same at the next regu- 
lar session under the good of the order and at your com- 
mand Close the word of God. (remains standing) 

M. T. Worthy Assistant you will now perform your 
final duty in the closing of this Castle. 

A. T. arises and says: Officers and Knights, once 
more we have met in fellowship and worship, I will once 
more remind you of your vows admonishing you to ever 
walk as worthy Knights and followers of the cross, it is 
our lot on earth to meet and part, but if we conduct our- 
selves as we have been taught we will some time gather 
about the throne of the Great Master Teacher of the Uni , 
verse where sighings and parting will be no more and we 
will join our celestial brethern in perpetual praise, thanks- 
giving and worship. (remains standing) (Here the M. T. may 
ask any Knight to repeat the oath, if pressed for time, this is not 
necessary.) 



M. T. Calls up Castle with three blows of the Gavei. 
All join in singing 409 Methodist Hymnal. 

M. T. Let us all join with our Chaplain in prayer. 

Chaplain. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we 
thank Thee for Thy divine presence with us during this ses- 
sion, we have met in Thy name and we part in Thy name and 
thus may we ever walk so that wherever we are, we will 
always be in the House of the Lord and whatever we do we 
will always be praising thee. 

All Knights respond: Hear and answer our prayer, 
Lord. 

M. T. says : Amen. Then the A. T. says : Amen. Then 
the Chaplain and Knights repeat in unison. Amen. This 
prayer is followed by the Gloria. 

M. T. Warden close the word of God. 

Warden does so. Returns to his Chair and says: The 
word of God is closed, Master teacher. 

M. T. Officers and Knights give the sign of the order. 

M. T. Giving the sign says : In the name of the Fath- 
er, Son and Holy Ghost I declare this Castle closed until our 
next regular session. 

M. T. Inside Guardsman you will now open the doo 
that the Knight may depart. 

I. G. I will Master Teacher. (And swings the door open) 
M. T. Gives one blow and all Knights are at liberty 
to depart. 



Initiation and some Rules Pertaining thereto. 

Every application must be under consideration one month be- 
fore the Candidate be initiated. 

When the M. T. comes to the place in the order of business 
where it reads. Reports of membership committee. The A. T. will 
read the name or names of applicants. Then the M. T. will instruct 
one of the Committee to accompany the Knight who has received the 
application and propound the necessary questions and receive his 
answers and report same at the next regular session. The M. T. will 
instruct all Knights to be ready with any information about the 
candidate which they may deem necessary for the Castle to know. 

The questions which are to be propounded are as follows: 

Give full name and address. 

Age place and date of birth White, black or 

yellow. 

Protestant or Catholic. 

Have you ever been baptized and by what Church? 

To what Church do your parents belong? 

Are your parents living? Where do they live? 

If they do not belong to any Church, what Church do they at- 
tend? 

Are you a member of any Church ? 

If you are accepted by this order would you be willing to unite 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church? 

Are you a member of any Sunday School How long 

have you been a member? 

Why are you seeking membership in this order? (Make a care- 
ful record of this answer) 

Do you desire ETERNAL LIFE? Here the Candidate is in- 
structed that the purpose of the order is to instruct people in th« 
way of everlasting life. 

It is necessary that all applicants be members of the Sunday 
School for at least five months before handing in an application, un- 
less they can show a very good record from some other Evangelical 
Sunday School. If they come to us from some other Sunday School 
they must be a faithful member for at least a month before handing 
in an application. In case of Charter initiates the Grand Master 
Teacher may give a special dispensation, good material may be taken 
advantage of in a case of that kind. 

At the next regular session the data will be read by the A. T 
under reports of Membership Committee. The Candidate will then 
be balloted on but cannot be initiated the same session. 

After all reports are handed in and read by the A. T. the M. T. 
then proceeds with the Order of business. 

Balloting for Membership. 

M. T. says: Warden prepare the Ballot. The warden 
does so and holding the ballot box over his left arm and 
with his face turned away from the voting Knight he make 



the circuit of the room, beginning with the Chair of the M. 
T. When all have voted the Warden then returns to the A. 
T. who examines the ballot. The warden then returns to 
the M. T. who also examines the ballot. 

M. T. then says : How do you find the ballot, worthy 
Assistant? (if it is clear, he rsponds) 

A. T. Clear, Master Teacher. 

M. T. The Master Teacher then responds I also find 
it clear and declare the candidate elected. 

(But if there be a black ball in the box the A. T. will 
pay : I find the Ballot dark, Master Teacher. 

M. T. Will then respond, I also find it dark and declare 
the candidate rejected. 

If the candidate be rejected the M. T. will read the fol- 
lowing rule: 

When the candidate is reiected and any Knight tells 
of it to any one who is not a Knight of the Holy Cross he 
will be subject to a fine (not to exceed five dollars) or if the 
castle so votes he may be expelled from the order forever. 

When an application is received (any Knight may receive an 
a replication) The M. T. turns the application over to the member - 
rhip committee consisting: of the M. T., the A. T., the Sec, and the 
Chaplain and two other Knights annually elected. (And the Knight 
who Vv»igs in the application also becomes a member of the commit- 
tee for that particular applicant.) The committee will investigate 
for two weeks and then the data will be read by the A. T. at the next 
regular session and the candidate is balloted on. Two weeks from 
that date he may be received into membership. 

If for any reason it is thought some Knight has black balled a 
candidate because of some personal grudge, the Committee may de- 
mand an explanation and if none is given the Committee may call for 
a second ballot and if there be the same number of black balls as be- 
fore, may if they see fit declare him elected. 

When the M. T. comes to the place in the order of business 
v/hsre it reads: Receiving candidates by initiation, and if there be 
any he will say 

M. T. Warden prepare the Castle for initiation. 

Warden : I will, Master Teacher. 

(He does so calling upon any Knight to assist him inthe work. 
He then returns to his chair and says: All is ready O M. T. 

Here the M. T. appoints three Knights to 
go into the outer chamber and assist the W. T. in preparing the can- 
didates for initiation. M .T. The Master then rises and takes up the 
cross which stands on the left of his Chair and turns to the Cross 
Bearer who is seated on his right and says: 

Take this cross and with it lead the candidate to this throne 
where he will receive the instruction he seeks. 

— 8 — 



Cross Bearer: Takes the Cross and says: I will 
Master Teacher. (Steps down and takes his place by the warden.) 

M. T. (Picks up the spear which stands also at his left an/rl 
hands it to the warden and says: Take this spear and with it 
assist the Inside Guardsman in defending the candidate 
from the Flesh, the World and the Devil. 

* Warden : takes the spear and says : I will Master 
Teacher. (both face the door of the outer chamber or tower) 

M. T. Put your faith in God, and no harm can come to 
either of you, or the candidate ; March. 

(at the word (march) both step toward the door, when they are about 
four feet from the door they stop and wheel about, face the M'. T. 
and remain standing.) 

M. T. Inside Guardsman you will ascertain if the 
candidate is in waiting (I. G. steps from his chair to the 
door and gives one knock, if the W. T. answers with one 
knock the candidate is ready, if the candidate is ready the 
I. G. turns to the M. T. and says : 

I. G. He is ready Master Teacher, (if he is not ready 
he will wait until the W. T. does return his knock) 

M. T. Here the Master Teacher appoints a Knight to take the 
place of Warden and one to take the place of the I. G. then the 
Master teacher says: Let every Knight keep perfect silence. Inside 
Guardsman proceed with the initiation. The Master Teacher is then 
seated. 

I. G. strikes twice upon the door. 

Three Knights have previously been detailed to assist the W. 
T. in preparing the candidates. The Candidate who has been stripped 
of all valuables save his underwear and is clothed in a white robe and 
is blindfolded, is then led to the inner door by the Watchman of the 
tower of the Castle, who strikes three times upon the door.^ Door is 
opened by the Inside Guardsman. 

I. G. Who comes here? 

W. T. The Watchman of the Tower. 

I. G. What is it, Watchman of the Tower? Why have 
you called ? Why are you at the gate of the castle and not 
in the tower at your post of duty ? 

W. T. Inner Guardsman hear the truth and make it 
known to the Master teacher of the Knights of the Holv 
Cross. While in the tower at my post of duty I saw a seek« 
ing soul on the highway of life, beset with all the tempta- 
tions that are incident to human life and fearing for his 
safety I called three Knights to bring him in and when we 
questioned him he informed us of his quest. 

— 9 — 



I. G. What does he seek Watchman of the tower? 
W. T. Eternal Life. 

I. G. You have done well, O Watchman of the tower, 
to bring the seeking soul to the Castle of the Knights of the 
Holy Cross. I shall commend you to the Master Teacher for 
your faithfulness, and inform him concerning this seeking 
soul. (Closes the door) (Marches betweent the Cross Bearer and 
Warden* goes to the center of the room, stands before the alter, 
salutes the M. T. with the sign, the M. T. arises, answers with the 
sign and says: 

M. T. What is the good word, my brother ? 

I. G. O Master Teacher of the Knights ot tne Holy 
Cross, while guarding the inner door of the castle the faith- 
ful Knight and watchman of the tower gave an alarm and 
informed me that while at his post of duty he saw a seeking 
soul on the highway of life, beset with all the temptation- 
that are incident to human life and fearing for his safety he 
called three Knights to bring him in, the seeking soul in- 
formed the Watchman of the tower that he was in search 
of eternal life. I inform you of these things, Master 
Teacher, that you may know of the faithfulness of the 
Watchman of the tower, and also that you may instruct u^ 
as to what we shall do with the seeking soul. 

M. T. Inner Guardsman of the Knights of the Holy 
Cross I rejoice in the faithfulness of the Watchman of the 
tower and also in yours, you shall in no wise loose your re- 
ward. But make haste and return to the inner door of the 
Castle, bring him into this sacred room, lead him to the As- 
sistant Teacher who will administer to him the oath of se- 
crecy and then lead him to this, throne that I may instruct 
him in the way of eternal life. But first a warning, let every 
Faithful Knight guard him well, lest our earthly enemies, 
the flesh, the world, and the devil, waylay hi and over- 
come his resistance before he is well grounded in the faith 
and truth concerning the way of eternal life. 

I. G. jives sign ** M. T. ans. with sign ** then the I. G. goes 
to the inner door of the Castle, opens and addresses the Watchman 
of the Tower as follows: O Watchman of the Tower, I have in- 
formed the Master Teacher of your faithfulness, and also of 
this seeking soul. The Master Teacher rejoices in your 
faithfulness and promises a reward, he also instructed me 
to take charge of this seeking soul, to allow him to enter 
this sacred room, and lead him to the assistant teacher who 
will administer to him the oath of secrecy, and then to con- 

— 10 — 



duct him to the throne that he may be instructed in the 
way of eternal life. 

W. T. Every command of the Master Teacher must be 
obeyed (turns to the candidate and says) I am very glad to 
have been of some assistance to you, my brother. I shall now 
return to my post in the tower to watch for other seeking 
souls on the highway of life. Follow the inner guardsman of 
the Knights of the Holy Cross, do as he bids and your 
search for eternal life shall be rewarded with success, if 
you fail to do his bidding we will have no other choice but 
to once more turn you loose upon the broad highway of life 
where you will be denied the sworn friendship and help of 
every Knight of the Holy Cross, for while every mortal on 
earth already has our good will it is only to those who have 
the courage to pass through the grave and terrible ordeal 
that awaits you and through which every Knight has al- 
ready passed that we are able to render the peculiar assist- 
ance to which every Knight is entitled and which every 
Knight receives through membership in this sacred order. 
Farewell my brother and remember that during this grave 
and terrible ordeal that awaits you I shall be praying for 
you that God will give you grace and strength to take upon 
yourself the serious and binding obligation which is abso- 
lutely necessary to eternal life and membership in this 
order. Farewell my brother, and may the blessing of 
heaven rest upon you and enable you to flee from all the 
lusts of the flesh that war upon the souls of men and follow 
•after the graces and beauties with which God allures our 
hearts. You will now be lead by the Inner Guardsman. 
The I. G. takes the C by the arm and leads him within the door r the 
door is closed by the W. T. (The watchman of the Tower remains 
in the outer chamber and at a given signal from the inner door falls 
upon his knees and clasps his hands and with bowed head and closed 
eyes lifts up his heart in earnest silent prayer and so remains in this 
attitude until the signal is given at the inner door that the candidate 
has taken the oath. If any other Knights are in the outer chamber 
at the time all must fall upon their knees and offer silent prayer dur- 
ing the administration of the oath) 

The* I. G. then draws his sword and the Cross Bearer leading, 
and the Warden with the spear following behind, in this order they pro 
ceed to march around the room three times, every time they pass one 
of the officers' Chairs the officer arises and exclaims (May heaven's 
choicest blessing rest upon this seeking soul) The last time around 
they stop before the Chair of the Assistant Teacher. The Warden 
strikes upon the floor with his spear (three times) 

Cross Bearer. Hail Worthy Assistant. 

A. T. arises. Who comes here? 

— 1 1 — 



I. G. A seeking soul. 

A. T. What does he seek. 

I. G. Membership in the sacred order of the Knights 
of the Holy Cross and eternal life. 

A. T. addressing Candidate. My friend before you 
can proceed any further on this quest it is necessary for 
you to take upon yourself a serious and binding obligation. 
It is my duty to tell you that this oath will not in any way 
interfere or conflict with any responsibilities which you are 
under at the present time, but it will make of you a better 
citizen, a more earnest Christian and cause you to be a 
greater blessing to your family and friends. With this un- 
derstanding are you willing to proceed. (If the candidate 
answers in the affirmative the A. T. continues.) There are 
still a few things which must be explained to you before 
you take the oath which will admit you to membership in 
the sacred order of the Knights of the Holy Cross. We never 
want it said by anyone that they were in any way tricked 
or deceived, but in full possession of their senses and with 
a perfect knowledge of the principles and purposes of the 
order they took the oath. You must remember that this i 
nn order that once you enter its sacred walls and take upon 
yourself the oath of the order, you can never break with it or 
the Church of which it is a part without violating and out- 
raging your sacred word of honor which is the most sacred 
possession that a man has this side of the Grave. The first 
great principle of the order is to teach you the way of eter- 
nal life. The second is to instill in your heart, love and 
loyalty for the Methodist Episcopal Church and encourage 
you to always look to the Methodist Euiscopal Church as 
your guide in all things spiritual. With this understanding 
are you willing to proceed? (If the candidate answers in the 
negative he is taken to the outer door and permitted to depart, if he 
answers in the affirmative, the A. T. gives one blow with his gavel 
steps down from his chair, walks around the Cross Bearer and takes 
a position directly behind the I. G. standing about three feet from 
h'm and savs follow me, at this word of command all face about and 
following the A. T. they march toward the alter, the A. T. passes 
around the alter and faces the Candidate, who with the I. G. C. B. 
and Wardeni stop about two feet from the altar. When all are in 
position the Guard at the inner door gives one rap at the door and the 
W. T. and all other Knights in the outer chamber fall on their knees 
and remain in silent prayer during the administration of the oath. 
Then the M. T. gives one blow with his gavel and all Knights except 
the M. T. and guard at the inner door come forward in a circle en- 
closing the alter, when the circle is complete the A. T. commands the 
candidate to kneel, place his open right hand on the Holy Bible, his 
left hand over his heart, when he is in position the M. T. gives one 

— 12 — 



lap of the gavel and at this signal all Knights in the room except 
the M. T. and A. T. and the guard at the inner door fall upon their 
knees, clasp hands, and bow their heads in silent prayer while the 
candidate takes the oath which is as follows: 

A. T. says — Say I. pronounce your name in full and repeat 
after me. With my right hand resting on Gods most Holy 
word, and my left hand over my heart, and in the presence of 
God and these kneeling Knights of the Order of the Holy 
Cross. I most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, that 
the things which I see and hear in this Castle room shall never 
in any way whatsoever be revealed by me to any one on earth. 
I swear by Gods Holy Word that the signs, tokens, pass words 
and grips of the order, which shall be made known unto me 
by the Master Teacher, shall be received by me as a precious 
gift and only used by me in the manner in which he shall 
direct. I further promise and swear by Gods Holy Word that 
I will always be a true friend te every Knight of the Holy 
Cross, always prefering him in business, that is, I will buy or 
sell with Knights of the Holy Cross in preference to all others. 
I promise and swear never to forsake a Brother Knight unless 
he by his conduct should disgrace both the order and the 
Church of which the order is a part. I swear before God never 
to wrong a brother Knight or see him wronged in any way 
without doing all in my power to defend him. I most 
solemnly swear to render both material and spiritual assistance 
to every brother Knight whom I find in need of either if it is 
within my power so to do. I further promise and swear by 
the loving and merciful Christ our Saviour, that I will never 
forsake a fallen brother, until I have used every possible means 
to restore him to a living faith in God and membership in this 
order. I further promise that as this order is a part of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and in close relationship to the 
Sunday School, that I will never neglect either for worldly 
pleasures, but do solemnly swear that all my life I shall strive 
to be a regular attendant at Church and Snnday School, 
alwavs remembering Gods command; REMEMBER THE 
SABBATH DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY. 

And now in the presence of God and these kneeling 
Knights. I declare that I do desire ETERNAL LIFE, I do 
want to live with God throughout eternity, therefore when I 
do at last stand before the Master Teacher of this order, I most 
solemly swear to listen attentively to what he may say, and not 
only do I promise to listen, but I swear before God to follow 
the way he directs and at the very first opportunity which may 

— 13 — 



present itself I will publicly declare my intention of walking 
in the pathway of life which leads to Gods eternal throne, 
where I may hear his welcome plaudit: WELL DONE 
THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. ENTER 
THOU INTO THE JOYS OF THY LORD. 

I once more swear before God in heaven, that all of these 
promises I will faithfully fulfill, and though my hair should be 
torn from my scalp and my scalp from my head, my eyes 
gouged out, my limbs torn from my body and my body burned 
to ashes and the ashes scattered to the four winds of heaven. 
I shall never reveal any of the secrets of this order to any one 
except he be as lawfully entitled to the same as I am myself. 
May God keep me steadfast in the due performance of the 
srme. and in token of my good faith I will now kiss the book 
which lies before me. which is the Holy Bible, (kisses book. ) 

AT. says: AMEN. 

Guard at the inner door will give one rap and all Knights in 
the outer chamber will rise to their feet. The M. T. will then give one 
rap of the gavel and all kneeling Knights will rise to their feet (can- 
didate still kneeing) the M. T. then gives the second rap and all 
Knig^hts face about and walk to their chairs and stand before them 
the A. T. steps out from the altar and walks to his chair and with 
one blow of his gavel seats the Knights. The M. T. will then strike 
three times on a mellow toned gong and at this signal all the lights 
In the castle will be turned out and candles lighted in just sufficient 
quantity to enable objects about the room to be dimly seen. 
When a sufficient number of candles have been lighted (the Knight 
appointed to fill the Warden's Chair is to do the work) the M. T. 
will then strike the gong six times (let the blows be struck slowly) 
When the sound of the gong has died away the I. G. places his 

hand on the head of the candidate and says: My dear 
brother I am now going to take from your eyes the bandage 
which has kept you from looking on the sacred room of the 
Knights of the Holy Cross. Since you have taken the oath 
you are now deemed worthy to behold the room and we 
will now proceed on our journey to the throne of the Master 
Teacher where you will receive instructions in the way of 
everlasting life, our way to the throne is long and beset 
with many dangers, but if your faith is strong in God who 
can and will supply all your needs you need have no fear 
(removes hood wink) saying: Arise my brother, come with 
me. 

During this part of the ceremony if any one laughs aloud or in 
nny way makes a disturbance, the ceremony stops at that point and 
the offending' party is expelled from the room and is not permitted 
to take any part in an initiation ceremony for at least one month. 
Absolute silence must be maintained throughout this entire cere- 

— 14 — 



mony. Cross Bearer leading- the procession marches around the 
room three times. The last time around they stop before the screen 
which is halfway between the altar and the throne. Behind the 
screen are concealed the FLESH the WORLD and the DEVIL. The 
Flesh steps out from behind the screen, followed by the devil. The 
Flesh steps up to the candidate, takes him by the arm and says: 

Flesh. Whither art thou going my friend, and whal 
do you seek here upon the broad pathway of life? 

Candidate. ETERNAL LIFE, (the I. G. will whispei 
the answer to the C.) 

Flesh. What folly and foolishness. Come with me to 
the Wine Rooms and we will feast, eat, drink, and be merry 
I see upon your face the glow of youth, it will soon fade 
and your powers for enjoyment will fade with it, come with 
me and we will enjoy the dance, the drink, and the drama 
and all the sensual pleasures of life, while the candle of life 
holds to burn, for when you are dead you are a long time 
dead, so take my advise and have your fling. The only 
worth while thing about this short life of ours is a good 
time, be sure and have it while you can. Come on, let us 
go at once, come, come, hurry, (pulls at his arm) 

Devil. Wisely spoken, Flesh. Go with him, friend, 
all he says is true, he has been my companion for many 
years and we have spent many merry times together, he is 
a jolly good fellow and all his friends are merry, go with 
him at once, leave your present companions, they are but 
a sober, solemn set and the way they lead you, will make 
you miss all the good times of life, leave them, friend, and 
come with us, come quickly, let us hurry. At this point both 
sieze him by the arms and attempt to pull him behind the screen, but 
the Cross Bearer turns the Cross toward them, the Knight 
thrusts off the Devil with his spear and the I. G. thrusts at the 
Flesh with his sv/ord and both retire behind the screen hissing and 
snarling out: Wait, we will get him next time, we would have had 
him then, were it not for the Cross and the followers of the cross 
curse, them, curse them, everyone. 

Again the procession goes around the room three times and 
the third time around stops before the screen, this time the World 
steps out. 

World. (He snaps out in a quick business like tone) Well, 
well, what have we here, another young fool, following the 
Cross? Say, lad, I want to tell you right now, if you want 
to make a success in Life, you will have no time for this 
Christian monkey business. Cut it out, if you don't look 
out for number one, nobody else will, you are a likely look- 
ing young fellow, come with me and I will show you how to 
make money and get position and power in this world, the 

— 15 — 



followers of the Cross are always talking- about taking care 
of some poor beggar or some unfortunate heathen in this 
world, let them take care of themselves, is what I say, I 
am not to blame or if they are heathen or poor, every man 
for himself is the only thing that works in this world. 
Come and breay away from those softies, come on. 

Devil. That is right lad, do as he says, he is wise 
and he is rich, don't you want to be rich, lad ? Forget what 
these Christian teachers tell you and go after the money o 
the world, nothing else matters if only you can get money. 
MONEY! MONEY! (Here both the World and the Devil rattle t 
small bag- of money in their hand, and at the sound of the rattle, the 
Flesh steps out from behind the screen and says: 

Flesh. Ah MONEY, MONEY, that is the stuff that 
makes the world go around. You can have fun with mon- 
ey, money gets you everything you want on earth, let's get 
the money, friend, and then let us go out for a time. Come 
on, for fun and for money. COME, COME on. (At this point 
all three make a rush for the candidate and try to drag him behind 
the screen, but the Cross Bearer turns the Cross towa d the f ay, 
the Knight with the spear thrusts at the Devil, the I. G. thrusts at 
the World and the Flesh. Then after a moment's struggle, the I. 
G. cries out: 

I. G. God have mercy, help us or our brother is lost, 
have mercy on us and help us in the midst of the terrible 
trials and temptations of youth. 

At this point the lights are suddenly switched on and the M. 
T. stands up and gives one blow of his gavel and says: 

M. T. Let there be peace, no harm can come to him 
whose faith is in God. 

(The Flesh, the World and the Devil put their hands over their 
faces, as if to shut out the light, the Flesh and World drop quickly 
behind the screen, all repeating: We have lost him, curse him, his 
faith is in God, we have no power over those whose faith is in God. 
The Devil is the last to drop behind the screen, just before he drops 
cut of sight, he suddenly straightens up and says: 

D. Curse it. I have lost another life and all because 
the Church got him while he was yet young. I will finr 
more snares for the youth, I have very little fear of losing 
them when they are old. Curse the Knights of the Holy 
Cross, for they help the Church to get the young men. 
Curse them, curse them every one. (Drops out of sight.) 

(Neither the World or the Flesh or the Devil are to appear 
again in their disguise, so they slip out of their disguise and appear 
at the close of the ceremony as ordinary Knights) 

M. T. For once the Devil tells the truth, he declare; 
— 10 — 



he was not afraid of losing his victims when they are old. 
And it is surely true that his greatest victories are won be- 
cause of neglected youth, it is our purpose to keep a] 
Knights from falling into the snares of the Flesh, the 
World and the Devil. (Is seated) 

(Procession resumes its march around the room and stops be- 
fore the chair of the M. T. Warden, strikes the floor with his spear 
three times.) 

I. G. Hail Master Teacher! 

M. T. (Looking at candidate for a few seconds) 
What have we here? I sc>j before me, a youth who does 
not wear upon his breast, the Cross which is the Insignia 
of our order and of a Christian. (Turns to I. G.) Speal 
Inner Guardsman, for you are responsible for the sanctity 
of this sacred room and the safety of every inmate. Wh 
is the lad without the Cross, whence comes he and what does 
he seek? 

I. G. Oh, Master Teacher, hear the truth. He is a lad 
who was led to the Inner door of the Castle by the faithful 
Knight and Watchman of the Tower, who informed me that 
while standing guard he saw him wandering upon the high- 
way of life where he was subject to all the temptations that 
are incident to human life and fearing for his safety he 
sent three Knights to bring him in, they did so, the lad in- 
formed them that he was seeking eternal life. You were 
informed of these things, Master Teacher, and you in- 
structed us to lead him into this sacred room and to the 
A. T. who would administer to him the oath of secrecy, 
after which we were to lead him to you, where he is to re- 
ceive instructions in eternal life. 

M. T. You have done well, my brother, you shall in 
no wise loose your reward. But did you meet with any 
difficulty by the way? 

I. G. We did, the Flesh, the World and the Devil at- 
tacked us and we were compelled to fight for our souls and 
the soul of our seeking brother. 

M. T. Were you not sufficiently protected? 

I. G. All of the Knights were sufficiently protectee 
but the lad was not, he lacked equipment and we were com- 
pelled to fight for him. 

M. T. What is the equipment which all must put on 
before they are safe against any attack from the Flesh, the 
World and the Devil, who are our earthly enemies ? 

— 17 — 



I. G. The whole armor of God. 

M. T. And what is the whole armor of God? 

I. G. It is the Helmet of salvation, the breast- 
plate of righteousness, the girdle of truth, the shield o 
faith, the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God) 
and our feet must be shod with the preparation of the gos- 
pel of peace. 

M. T. Correct, Inner Guardsman. (Turns to Candi- 
date) and says: "What is your name, my lad? 

C. Answers, (giving full name.) 

M. T. What do you seek? 

C. ETERNAL LIFE. 

M. T. Listen carefully, my lad, and you shall knov 
the way of eternal life. When our blessed Lord was upon 
1 he earth, a young man came and knelt before him and said : 
Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Liste 
-while I read you an account of this incident. (Takes up 
Bible and reads Mark 10:17-23) This young man was never 
heard of again for the reason that he did not follow thr 
command of our Lord. You will notice that Christ inform 
ed the lad that he was to strip himself of all wordly posses- 
sions, this will bring to your mind that before you were 
permitted to enter this sacred room you were asked to re 
move all of your outer clothing and that nothing of any 
earthly value was left in your possession, and even at this 
present moment, you are destitute of any material worth, 
and even as you stand naked before us, you are always 
naked before God and the only thing which will give you 
worth in the eyes of God is a pure heart and a sincere de- 
sire to follow him. 

You will never forget that you have sworn to follow 
him, you must never forget that with your right hand rest 
irig upon the Holy Bible and your left hand on your heart 
you took a solemn vow to listen attentively to your instruc- 
tions and that you would not only listen but follow then 
out at your earliest opportunity. 

And now listen, Lad. for here is the wav of eternal Life 
'JESUS SAID OF HIMSELF. I AM THE WAY, THE 
TRUTH* AND THE LIFE.) That is to say Christ himsel' 
is the way of eternal Life. You are to take Jesus as a pat- 
tern and try to live like him. You sav. well how did ho 
live? The answer is that JESUS WENT ABOUT DOINC 
GOOD. You also are to go about DOING GOOD We rea 

— 18 — 



in John 6:47. VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO YOU, HE 
THAT BELIEVETH IN ME HATH EVERLASTING LIFE 
Again we read in John 8:52. IF A MAN KEEP MY WORD 
HE SHALL NEVER TASTE OF DEATH. Your way t 
everlasting life is to believe in Jesus Christ and to tell oth- 
ers by word and deed that if only they believe on him they 
shall have everlasting life, and that Christ will raise then -1 
up at the last day even as we read in the gospel of John 6:4C 

You will be tempted many times to forsake him an 
follow the Flesh, the World,and the Devil. You will never 
forget that on your way to this throne that you were at- 
tacked by those, our earthly enemies, and had it not been 
for these two Knights who wear the whole armor of God, 
you would have been lost, and as they protected you, i 
now becomes your duty to protect and lead other seeking 
souls to the throne of God. You must not think that this 
initiation is sufficient to save your soul, you must remem- 
ber that our lessons are but symbolic of life in the world 
and in order to complete the step which you have begun by 
joining our order, you must at your very first opportunity 
(if you have not already done so) make an open confession 
of your purpose to follow Jesus Christ as the way to F T ~~ 
NAL LIFE by uniting with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and placing yourself under the guidance of your 
Pastor. For we read in Matthew 10:35. Whosoever there- 
fore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also be- 
for my Father which is in heaven. Therefore if you wouL 
have eternal life you must join the Church, for we read ir 
Acts 2:47. That the Lord added daily to the Church such 
as should be saved. So it is plain to be seen that all wr 
are saved should be in the Church. And further we are to 
place ourselves under the guidance of our Pastor becaus- 
we read in 1st Cor. 1 :21. That it pleased God by the fool- 
ishness of preaching to save them that believe. You mu^ 
remember that you have promised to be faithful in your at- 
tendance at Church and Sunday School. Let me impres? 
upon your mind the importance of being regular especially 
at morning worship, because if you start God's Day in the 
right manner, you will receive enough spiritual strength to 
enable you to keep the remainder of it Holy. Following these 
instructions you will clothe vourself in the whole armor o 
God. and you will dwell with him throughout an endles 
eternity. The Inside Guardsman will now conduct you to 
the altar where you will kneel while our Chaplain offers 
prayer of Thanksgiving and invokes the Divine blessing. 

— 19 — 



He will then reconduct you to this throne that I may in- 
struct you in the secret work of the order of the Knights 
of the Holy Cross. 

Procession turns to the right and marches about the room, 
passing- the Chaplain's Chair and the A. TVs chair and when the 
Cross Bearer is opposite the alter, they cross over and the Candidate 
is commanded to kneel, clasp his hands, close his eyes and bow his 
head. When the Candidate is in the attitude of prayer, the Chap- 
lain stands up. When the Chaplain is on his feet the M. T. will give 
one blow of the gavel and every Knight but the A. T. and the 
guard at the inner door and the M. T. stands up. Then the Chap- 
lain crosses over and kneels on the opposite side of the alter and as 
he is kneeling, the M. T. gives another rap of his gavel and every 
standing Knight also Kneels and the Chaplain offers the following 
prayer: 

Chaplain. Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, Fath 
er of our Lord Jesus Christ. We do, indeed, thank and 
praise Thy most Holy Name, that Thou hast led this young 
man thus far on his journey of life. And our prayer for 
him is that he may always yield himself to the guidance 
of Thy Holy Spirit. May Thy Holy Spirit touch his eyes 
that he may clearly see the pathway of Christian duty 
And may Thy Holy Spirit dwell in his heart that it may be 
tender with the love of God, touch his hands that they 
may be quick to minister to the needs of his fellows, touch 
his feet that they may be swift to run the errands of mercy 
as becometh a true Christian. 

Thus may his whole life be opened up to the wonder- 
ful influence of thy Holy Spirit, and when he has finished 
the course, having kept the faith, do Thou receive his soul 
to dwell with Thee throughout eternity. We further pray 
that he may love and serve the sacred order of the Knight; 
of the Holy Cross all his days, may its influence make him 
more useful in Thy service. Grant, O Father, that he may 
never forget the lessons he has received during this cere 
mony. Keep him tnv* to the serious and solemn oath he 
has taken, may he aid and strengthen us by his member- 
ship in this order. Hear and answer our prayer in behalf 
of this Knight and we will give Thee praise now and ever 
more. AMEN. All Knights repeating Amen. 

M. T. Gives one rap of the gavel and all rise, the Chaplain 
takes his place, then the A. T. gives one rap of his gavel and seats 
the Knights. Then the procession starts around the room, turning 
toward the Chaplain's chair, passing it, also the A. T.'s chair, and 
then on to the throne. When all are before the M. T.'s Chair, the 
Warden with his spear, strikes the floor three times and the I. G. 
says: 

— 20 — 



I. G. Hail Master! We have completed the journey 
and the Candidate is now ready to receive the secret work 
of the order. 

M. T. arises and gives the secret work which is a: 
follows. 

My Brother, in the Order of the Knights of the Holy 
Cross we have - 

(When all the secret work has been given the M. T. will then say.) 

My Brother, you are now a Knight of the Holy Cross entit- 
led to all of its many privileges and blessings and so will 
you ever be, unless you deliberately forfeit your great 
privileges by neglected duty and non-payment of dues. 
However, no true Knight will ever be guilty of such con- 
duct. The Inside Guardian will now conduct you to the 
outer chamber, where you will be reinvested with what 
you have been divested, you will then work your way into 
the Castle and assist us in the closing ceremony. 



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